"Leadership is the conviction to chart new territory, the vision to create a path to success and the compassion to help others along the way." - Sarah Nuttall
"A good leader inspires good followers; a great leader is one who develops more great leaders among his/her followers" - Sarah Nuttall
"At its simplest level, a shared vision is the answer to the question, "What do we want to create?" Just as personal visions are pictures or images people carry in their heads and hearts, so too are shared visions pictures that people throughout an organization carry. They create a sense of commonality that permeates the organization and gives coherence to diverse activities" - Peter Senge (The Fifth Discipline)
Leadership is the art of inspring people to a vision, through personal or influence power, and working towards the common objective that is much larger than the personal glory of the leader. The purpose is to create something larger than the individual for the benefit of everyone involved, regardless of who gets the credit. Often, the greatest of leaders are unsung heroes, whose value is recognized long after they have moved on to the next stage. However, they live their lives guided by values and principles larger than themselves, in the service of goals that make the world a better place, and believe that no step in that journey is wasted.
http://www.leadersinstitute.com/high-impact-leaders/articles/artofleadership.html
In his book "The Model Leader - A Fully Functional Person", Dr. William Hitt outlines the following steps of the Leadership Agenda:
1. Conceptual Skills - The model leaders is able to deal with high order abstractions and generalizations.
2. Logical Thinking - The model leader is able to apply a systemetic approach to problem solving.
3. Creative Thinking - The model leader is able to bring into being imaginative ideas.
4. Holistic Thinking - The model leader is able to grasp the total situation and to understand the relationships between and among the elements.
5. Communication - The model leader is able to engage in genuine dialogue with others.
6. Staff - The model leader has a team of persons who are ready, willing, and able.
7. Information - The model leader knows what information is needed to function effectively and where to get the information.
8. Networks - The model leader has many personal contacts with whom ideas, information, and resources can be shared.
9. Knowing Oneself - The model leader has a good grasp of his or her own strengths and limitations and actively seeks feedback for personal growth.
10. Knowing the Job - The model leader understands the requirements of the job and how the job contributes to the goals of the larger organization.
11. Knowing the Organization - The model leader understands the organization's culture and how to get things done effectively and efficiently.
12. Knowing the Business One Is In - The model leader understands the external environment sufficiently well to know customers's needs and what is of value to them.
13. Knowing the World - The model leader understands the world community and how the smaller communities relate to the larger community.
14. Valuing - The model leader has a good grasp of the organization's values and can translate them into practice.
15. Visioning - The model leader has a clear mental picture of a desired future for his or her organization or organizational unit.
16. Coaching - The model leader helps others develop the knowledge and skills needed for achieving the vision.
17. Empowering - The model leader provides staff with the training, resources, and authority needed to enable them to move toward the vision.
18. Team Building - The model leader is able to develop a team of people who are dedicated to working collaboratively to achieve the vision.
19. Promoting Quality - The model leader achieves a reputation for always meeting or exceeding customer expectations.
20. Identity - The model leader has a unified set of values and lives by those values each day.
21. Independence - The model leader is guided by his or her own internal compass.
22. Authenticity - The model leader reveals his or her true being to others; the inner self and the outer self are congruent.
23. Responsibility - The model leader takes responsibility for his or her decisions and actions and does not blame others.
24. Courage - The model leader affirms his or her authentic being despite obstacles.
25. Integrity - The model leader is guided by a set of moral principles and is recognized by others as a person of integrity.
A model leader is one who has mastered the art of leadership and integrated into every aspect of his or her life, to become a fully Self-Actualized person. And at the core is his or her ability to inspire people to a higher level of being.
"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being." - Goethe
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Work-Life Balance
All of us, especially professional women, are juggling multiple priorities in maintaining the balance among the different dimensions of life. Through my career I have come to realize that there is no such thing as work-life balance, at least no STATIC state that defines this balance; it is at best a dynamic act of constantly reminding yourself to work from your values, and determining your priorities accordingly. We can do whatever we set our mind to, but we have to moderate our enthusiasm in any one dimension with reality in light of what we expect to get out of life. Sometimes our biggest problem is that we are capable of doing a lot and need to keep the balance between the time and energy we commit to work, the return we expect to get from it in the form of revenue, personal and professional growth, and the demands of personal and community life that we need to keep in balance. The consequences of overworking one set of muscles at the expense of the other dimensions of life can be less than desirable.
Check out the attached links for more information and insight on the subject:
http://www.worklifebalance.com/
http://www.worklifebalance.com/worklifebalancedefined.html
http://www.worklifebalance.com/assets/pdfs/article3.pdf
http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/5-strategies-for-life-balance
http://www.allbusiness.com/specialty-businesses/home-based-business-work-life-balance/2976732-1.html
When we talk about developing a balance between the different dimensions of life, we have to focus on defining our values and letting the values dictate how we dedicate our efforts towards achieving the best in life. The greatest inspiration I found on the subject of achieving this balance is the all time best seller "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey
https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits.php
The beauty of Covey's message is in its simplicity and timeliness. He contends that by implementing the seven habits outlined in his program, one can achieve great results towards living an effective life. Having personally studied and implemented the 7-Habits program, and personally knowing hundreds if not thousands of people who have benefited from it, I swear by the timeless value of these principles.
One of the most compelling texts on the subject that I have come across in the past few years is "The Power of Full Engagement" by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. The authors contend that energy, not time, is the primary currency of the highly engaged professionals.
http://www.lgeperformance.com/book_PFE.html
Creative, motivated, happy and well rested people are more productive than harried, stressed, overworked and sleep deprived individuals with dysfunctional family lives who have neglected their families in the name of getting ahead in the rat race. Actively shaping a positive and balanced work-life balance is the key ingredient to fulfilment, effectivenss and productivity.
Check out the attached links for more information and insight on the subject:
http://www.worklifebalance.com/
http://www.worklifebalance.com/worklifebalancedefined.html
http://www.worklifebalance.com/assets/pdfs/article3.pdf
http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/5-strategies-for-life-balance
http://www.allbusiness.com/specialty-businesses/home-based-business-work-life-balance/2976732-1.html
When we talk about developing a balance between the different dimensions of life, we have to focus on defining our values and letting the values dictate how we dedicate our efforts towards achieving the best in life. The greatest inspiration I found on the subject of achieving this balance is the all time best seller "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey
https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits.php
The beauty of Covey's message is in its simplicity and timeliness. He contends that by implementing the seven habits outlined in his program, one can achieve great results towards living an effective life. Having personally studied and implemented the 7-Habits program, and personally knowing hundreds if not thousands of people who have benefited from it, I swear by the timeless value of these principles.
One of the most compelling texts on the subject that I have come across in the past few years is "The Power of Full Engagement" by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. The authors contend that energy, not time, is the primary currency of the highly engaged professionals.
http://www.lgeperformance.com/book_PFE.html
Creative, motivated, happy and well rested people are more productive than harried, stressed, overworked and sleep deprived individuals with dysfunctional family lives who have neglected their families in the name of getting ahead in the rat race. Actively shaping a positive and balanced work-life balance is the key ingredient to fulfilment, effectivenss and productivity.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Self-Directed Career Development
In the corporate environment of the 21st century, the successful professionals have some very distinct characteristics:
* They have the quality of "Interdependence": they are independently motivated, and widely connected through personal and professional networking relationships.
* They are focused on developing their leadership and communication skills and empowering those around them.
* They create a learning environment and a growth oriented organizational culture, leading to adaptive, successful and productive organizations.
In order to attract and retain such independent and capable employees, organizations must develop a culture of growth and agility and position themselves to meet the challenges of a highly competitive global market.
“If it is to be, it is up to me” – Neal Whitten
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." – Thomas Edison
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” - Confucius
When we talk of self-directed career development, it is important to realize that career development is not something that happens to you, it is what you make of life! A career development plan is a written listing of the short- and long-term goals of a worker pertaining to the current and future jobs. It is a planned sequence of formal and informal experiences to assist the worker in achieving their goals - should be linked to the person’s potential. Career development plans are usually optional; but employers should encourage that all employees develop them, so that their long-term career expectations are realistic and in line with their industry and company's objectives.
Working through your life and career without a plan is like driving around town without a map, or a destination in mind. Drifting through life is not an option in these times of severe global competition, economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical forces. We have to be cognizant of our direction and focus and make conscious choices for laying the foundation of the rest of our personal and professional life! A self-directed career development plan is the roadmap to success!
* They have the quality of "Interdependence": they are independently motivated, and widely connected through personal and professional networking relationships.
* They are focused on developing their leadership and communication skills and empowering those around them.
* They create a learning environment and a growth oriented organizational culture, leading to adaptive, successful and productive organizations.
In order to attract and retain such independent and capable employees, organizations must develop a culture of growth and agility and position themselves to meet the challenges of a highly competitive global market.
“If it is to be, it is up to me” – Neal Whitten
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." – Thomas Edison
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” - Confucius
When we talk of self-directed career development, it is important to realize that career development is not something that happens to you, it is what you make of life! A career development plan is a written listing of the short- and long-term goals of a worker pertaining to the current and future jobs. It is a planned sequence of formal and informal experiences to assist the worker in achieving their goals - should be linked to the person’s potential. Career development plans are usually optional; but employers should encourage that all employees develop them, so that their long-term career expectations are realistic and in line with their industry and company's objectives.
Working through your life and career without a plan is like driving around town without a map, or a destination in mind. Drifting through life is not an option in these times of severe global competition, economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical forces. We have to be cognizant of our direction and focus and make conscious choices for laying the foundation of the rest of our personal and professional life! A self-directed career development plan is the roadmap to success!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Believing in Your Dreams - and New Year Resolutions
Dreams do come true, believing in your dreams is the first step towards achieving them. On this new year's day I find myself reflecting on the past several years and how they have been instrumental in the achievement of my life goals and dreams. The New Year is often a time of reflection, of resolve and resolutions, but most of those resolutions are never realized because we do not believe in our own dreams, and more so in our ability to make them a reality. These resolutions are mostly "wishful thinking carried too far", rather than an earnest resolve to creating lasting change. Change is realized only when the value of the new behavior is greater than the pain of the status quo. Man is a creature of habit, and a change of habit can only be affected through intrinsic motivation and resolve to overcome the barriers imposed by our habits.
Believing in your own ability to make a positive change, and taking action in the direction of its achievement lays the foundation for realizing your dreams, however far fetched they may initially seem. Often we shelve our dreams because we cannot visualize the whole picture of what life would look like if they were to be realized. It is important to think through the possibilities, but not to obssess so much on the minor details that the whole message gets lost in the weeds.
"Whatever you can do, or dream you can... begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it" - Goethe
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase" - Matin Luther King, Jr.
Taking the first step in achieving our dreams and goals sets up a positive momentum that carries us through the invariable ups and downs, the periods of doubt and skepticism from within and especially from others around us. Following through with courage and faith is what sets the achievers apart from the starry eyed (but inactive) dreamers.
"Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there"- Will Rogers
Believing in your own ability to make a positive change, and taking action in the direction of its achievement lays the foundation for realizing your dreams, however far fetched they may initially seem. Often we shelve our dreams because we cannot visualize the whole picture of what life would look like if they were to be realized. It is important to think through the possibilities, but not to obssess so much on the minor details that the whole message gets lost in the weeds.
"Whatever you can do, or dream you can... begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it" - Goethe
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase" - Matin Luther King, Jr.
Taking the first step in achieving our dreams and goals sets up a positive momentum that carries us through the invariable ups and downs, the periods of doubt and skepticism from within and especially from others around us. Following through with courage and faith is what sets the achievers apart from the starry eyed (but inactive) dreamers.
"Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there"- Will Rogers
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Challenge of Leadership
"Leadership is the conviction to chart new territory, the vision to create a path to success and the compassion to help others along the way." - Yours Truly
Turbulent times call for a higher level of leadership than calmer times. The winds of change often upset the delicate balance of "comfort zones" and tend to separate the leaders from the followers. Leading in turbulent times is the challenge of the day - how you model your behavior to paint the vision and inspire your team against all odds determines your mettle as a leader. The tragic events of the world have also been catalysts to bringing forth great leaders among us, the most recent events of 9/11, and the way Mayor Rudy Guiliani handled that crisis separated him from the mayors of thousands of other cities.
http://www.schulersolutions.com/change_leadership_lessons_of_r.html
By contrast you have the words and action of Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/24/60minutes/main1933092.shtml
How do you think history will remember Guiliani or Nagin? One rises to the challenge of leadership, the other is looking for excuses why things are the way they are!
"The price of greatness is responsibility" - Winston Churchill
Turbulent times call for a higher level of leadership than calmer times. The winds of change often upset the delicate balance of "comfort zones" and tend to separate the leaders from the followers. Leading in turbulent times is the challenge of the day - how you model your behavior to paint the vision and inspire your team against all odds determines your mettle as a leader. The tragic events of the world have also been catalysts to bringing forth great leaders among us, the most recent events of 9/11, and the way Mayor Rudy Guiliani handled that crisis separated him from the mayors of thousands of other cities.
http://www.schulersolutions.com/change_leadership_lessons_of_r.html
By contrast you have the words and action of Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/24/60minutes/main1933092.shtml
How do you think history will remember Guiliani or Nagin? One rises to the challenge of leadership, the other is looking for excuses why things are the way they are!
"The price of greatness is responsibility" - Winston Churchill
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Perseverence
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no help at all." - Dale Carnegie
"What we do not see, what most of us never suspect of existing, is the silent but irresistible power which comes to the rescue of those who fight on in the face of discouragement." - Napolean Hill
Perseverence is the difference between faith and lack thereof! It is the art of persistence in the face of resistance, when you believe in your vision and goal. I find this video particularly apt in illustrating the value of patience, faith and perseverence in the face of "no progress", till the time is right for things to happen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ3C9SP8xRE
"A leader, once convinced that a particular course of action is the right one, must....be undaunted when the going gets tough." - Ronald Reagan
"What we do not see, what most of us never suspect of existing, is the silent but irresistible power which comes to the rescue of those who fight on in the face of discouragement." - Napolean Hill
Perseverence is the difference between faith and lack thereof! It is the art of persistence in the face of resistance, when you believe in your vision and goal. I find this video particularly apt in illustrating the value of patience, faith and perseverence in the face of "no progress", till the time is right for things to happen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ3C9SP8xRE
"A leader, once convinced that a particular course of action is the right one, must....be undaunted when the going gets tough." - Ronald Reagan
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Success
"The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes."
- Benjamin Disraeli
Success is achieved when opportunity meets commitment. Life is full of unexpected turns and any one of them has the potential to transform our lives if we so choose. That is why timing plays an important role in whether an opportunity results in potential realized, or merely creates another source of frustration in our lives. When we approach life with an open mind and a CAN-DO spirit, we find opportunities for growth and success at every turn. The power of positive conviction is what drives individuals to sieze the opportunity, execute with commitment, and demonstrate success.
Being present in the moment, and quickly sizing up the possibilities in a given situation, can make the difference between success and stalemate. The self confidence needed to sieze the opportunity is fed even more by the realization of the success. It inherently involves having faith, taking risk, and executing with positive conviction, in spite of the potential pitfalls and the inevitable nay-sayers. There is no sweeter reward than achieving your potential and creating a harmonious balance between personal growth and making a positive impact on the world!
"The height of your accomplishments will equal the depth of your convictions. "
- William F. Scholavino
- Benjamin Disraeli
Success is achieved when opportunity meets commitment. Life is full of unexpected turns and any one of them has the potential to transform our lives if we so choose. That is why timing plays an important role in whether an opportunity results in potential realized, or merely creates another source of frustration in our lives. When we approach life with an open mind and a CAN-DO spirit, we find opportunities for growth and success at every turn. The power of positive conviction is what drives individuals to sieze the opportunity, execute with commitment, and demonstrate success.
Being present in the moment, and quickly sizing up the possibilities in a given situation, can make the difference between success and stalemate. The self confidence needed to sieze the opportunity is fed even more by the realization of the success. It inherently involves having faith, taking risk, and executing with positive conviction, in spite of the potential pitfalls and the inevitable nay-sayers. There is no sweeter reward than achieving your potential and creating a harmonious balance between personal growth and making a positive impact on the world!
"The height of your accomplishments will equal the depth of your convictions. "
- William F. Scholavino
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